I would highly recommend studying French in UCD for a number of reasons. From a learning point of view, we had a lot of small group tutorials, which meant that we not only benefitted from a hands-on teaching approach but it also gave students a great chance to build friendships and to share in the learning experience. Our tutors and lecturers were always available to discuss any issue or concern that we may have had, and were very generous with their time.

I also appreciated the examination system of languages, that the graded assessment was spread out over the course of a semester, avoiding overwhelming final exams worth 100%. Every semester too we had a choice of modules, meaning people could capitalise on their strengths.

My favourite year of study was undoubtedly my year away from UCD however, as I got the opportunity, as an international languages student, to study in Bordeaux for a year. The UCD staff involved with the Erasmus programme were extremely helpful in the organisation of what can be an intimidating year. With their guidance it proved an invaluable and thoroughly enjoyable year in France and I would urge all students of French to take up a place on the Erasmus programme.

I chose to study International Modern Languages at UCD because I really enjoyed learning French at school. I wanted the chance to continue studying French while also picking up other languages. International Languages at UCD was perfect for this as I was able to do a joint major in French and German while also studying Italian as my elective throughout the four years of my degree. I was really glad that beginners German and Italian were available, and I was extremely impressed by the systematic and focused approach that was taken to teaching these languages at beginner level. This allowed us to catch up to the level of the students who had already studied these languages at school and then continue to deepen our knowledge of the languages as they did. I also enjoyed the wide range of modules available to choose from relating to literature, history, culture and linguistics. I spent my Erasmus year in Besançon, France, which was definitely one of the highlights of choosing this degree. Now that I have graduated I am spending a year working as an English Language Assistant in Germany, as my Erasmus year really gave me an interest in living abroad , and I’m excited to now be living in Germany and putting the German I have learned during the past four years to good use.